Pick Your Poison

They arrived at dusk, their car was a total mess, painted in dust and mud. With their luggage packed in a hotel suite, they drove it for a thorough wash.

Pem peered through the window of his hotel room, it was all lights and life; a total opposite of where they came from. Worn out for the day, he didn't bother to order for dinner as he laid on the bed, waiting to be drifted away into slumber. All he could think of was the possibility of the man he encountered twice to be whom he thought.

"No, it can't be him." he battled his thought, shaking off the feeling.

"He's dead and I know it."

Despite his reassuring speech, he couldn't completely block off the possibility that he might be wrong. He slept on his thought and hoped for an exciting tomorrow.

Waking up earlier the next day and found the sky still dark was frustrating, he wanted to go for a tour, but time seemed to move slowly. He went back to his bed and woke up next time, yet the sky was still dark.

Angrily he picked up his phone and checked the time, it was still four in the morning.

"What?!" he angrily slammed it on his bed, followed by his fifty-eight-kilogram body weight. When he woke the next time, he could see the sunray struggling to make its way into the room through the thick curtain. He rushed, slid it open and smiled, happy to see the sun in the sky.

"Hey! you up?" Iyke barged in, with toothbrush in his mouth and a towel round his waist.

"Going to get dressed."

"Alright, we're leaving early. I want to see it all today, will drop by Bob's room." He left and shut the door behind him.

Excitement sparked Pem's every nerve as he imagined a tour round the city with his friends, and have fun at last. He felt like a kid promised to be taken to the amusement park. They gathered at Bob's room and went down to the cafeteria for breakfast. Afterward, it was all joyride.

They made their way to the streets of the capital, and God it was heavenly. Polished floor, high risings, mahogany street seats and fancy street lights. All individuals on the street appeared over-dressed, even the cab drivers were well dressed than most corporate men in Lonefield. Everything there appeared classic.

At first glance, Pem could tell they stood out just by the way they dressed. They wanted to blend in, so they ditched their regular clothes and went shopping. Richella would go nuts when she finds out how much they spent on common clothing.

"Mom should never hear of this." Bob insisted. And for a moment Pem imagined fright in his eyes when he said it. If Richella finds out, the situation must be dire than he thought. Pem had always seen the soft part of Richella but he knew too well she was a no-nonsense lady who disciplined his son to the best of her capability, and despite being an adult won't let him spend his funds extravagantly.

Dressed in the local attire, they felt connected to the people than before, they felt like one of them. The hotel agent provided a tour-guide who took them to different beautiful sites in the city.

The lush green field at the national park was neatly mowed, and the lake like sparkling crystal under the golden ray of the sun.

At the city museum, they met quite interesting people who despite their uptight appearance, were surprisingly friendly. Most people there have been to many places on the Island except Lonefield, some since they were born, others since they relocated. Knowing the danger beyond this territory, most feared for adventure. The capital was the safest place on the island, it got establishments that the government would stop at nothing to protect.

They visited a lot of places, one was the famous Kaansa Waterfall which gave different colorations under the bright sunlight, the most beautiful and largest green wall on the Island and other recreational sites. It was a place that best lightened up Pem's mood.

None of them discussed anything concerning Prolab, all they wanted was a very good distraction to help them forget the tough journey ahead, and yes, the horror that lurked in their pasts.

At quarter past eight in the night, the streets still appeared busy, if not busier than day. Colorful bright lights from buildings and street bulbs shone at every corner, while cool music lightened up moods. There was a time night like this existed in Lonefield, now it was nothing but blood and bodies making headlines in every morning newspaper. The sight of the capital gave them hope that the Island still got life in her, which can as well reach every part found lacking. They've been on the move from dawn to dusk tirelessly, now they walked down the streets of the capital to get every single detail they missed while in the vehicle.

As they were about leaving Fallen-Leaf into another street, something spicy caressed their nostrils, their favorite snack which could only be seen in Lonefield during the Sun Fest.

"Suya!" They chorused in excitement.

It never gets old, the spicy pepper(suri) carefully sprinkled on a flattened meat, precisely dried using a local oven. Pem could recall what his father said, that people of the Island comprised of mixed races who saw the beauty in differences and cultivated in each other's culture.

They bought a stash and continued their tour on foot. They were drawn to the life of the night and determined to have a full dosage of it. They've walked a great distance from the hotel, then thought it unwise to go further without a guide, so they decided to retreat, at least for the night.

On their way back, they saw a figure that ignited their buried mares. Right before their very eyes stood a man who murdered James in cold blood. Looked like what they tried so hard to run from finally caught up with them.

They were thrown aback by his appearance as he walked into a bar. At first they were worried.

"Do you think we're being tailed?" Bob asked

"Maybe" Pem replied, not wanting to eliminate the possibility.

"If we were being tailed will he make himself seen so easily?" Iyke asked.

None of them took their eyes off him, afraid he might disappear into thin air.

Are we being tailed? the voice said aloud but Pem dismissed the thought. They knew they couldn't go back to their hotel and sleep like nothing happened. The purpose of their trip would be defeated if they live in fear, and so they decided to find out if they're still within the radar.

They didn't stand out in the crowd, which was good, but kept their distance, not giving room for mistakes. With their glasses and hats, they needed no other costume.

At first glance into the bar, Pem was awe struck by its complex interior décor. The painting looked untidy, like it was randomly sprinkled at different dimensions. At first glance one could only see splashed paint on a white wall, but a closer look becomes a withered tree and fallen leaves on a lemon grass, at least that was all Pem could make out of it, but was enough to make him stare for a little while. The lighting complimented the painting as well, it was mixed with some glittering stones which made the wall glitter like a gem mine. He was drawn to the art, but recovered right on time and found his spot beside his friends.

"You're undercover, damn it" he cursed in a whisper, much to his hearing alone.

Kyle sat a table away and backed them. The only face they saw was that of his partner, whom he casually chatted with and was surprisingly off guard. He was relaxed much to Pem's astonishment, which made him conclude that they must be very close, possibly an acquaintance or a relative. Then it struck him like a bolt of lightning that he might be his partner in crime; one whose hands might be in James's death. Thanks to demarcations they were hidden from their enemy.

Nothing interesting was mentioned for the past minutes. Keeping quiet on their end was suspicious, so they engaged in a random discussion but not loud enough to obstruct them from eavesdropping.

Pem was about losing his patience as he gulped down his drink when James was mentioned. Afterward, other discussions were in a very low tone, too low they had to strain their hearing to grasp something.

It turned out that the duo were friends of James, which made Pem draw to conclusion that they both plotted his demise. Not until the stranger mentioned something disturbing.

"Still can't believe James is dead, he deserved better, not to be taken by a car accident."

A car accident? Pem asked himself, as he wondered if he heard right.

"Yea, he deserved better. He was the most good-hearted amongst the three of us."

Pem was boiled up when he heard those from the very man that poured bullets into his body, that he almost jumped off his seat. Judging by the expression on Bob's face, he was hit with same intensity, Iyke on the other hand almost spilled his drink but managed to hold back after Bob's angry glare.

If the triad are friends, then it's obvious the stranger had been lied to, Pem visualized.

Undoubtedly, the agent killed one of his friend and lied to the other.

"Cold-hearted bitch." Iyke cursed. Other discussions were nothing shocking, so they ate what they ordered, drank, and left afterwards.

Completely drained, they walked down to their hotel. On their way, they came across five thugs harassing a young lady at a lonely dark corner of the street. Those around turned a blind eye, afraid to pry in order not to be victimized.

"Let her go" Pem warned.

At first, they ignored him, maybe he wasn't referring to them, he wouldn't dare. But their doubt was cleared the moment one of them got bashed with a brick thrown by Bob. It was unlikely of him. He was a gentle man, one who'd always preferred negotiation to brutality, but not this time. Something about them sets Bob off. Bullying boys was one thing, but Bob couldn't stand when girls are being bullied, it reminded him of his father before he abandoned them. His poor mother was a victim of his unnecessary rage and drinking habit.

It was brewing that despite the fatigue, the boys wanted some action, and just somehow their body responded in excitement. This night will be fun! it rang aloud in Pem's head.

The victim yelped in pain as he held his bleeding head, his white cloth now decorated crimson. The gang lost interest in the lady and faced the triad with bloodshot eyes which held promises of misfortune.

The young lady fled at the slightest opportunity, screaming thank you without turning or slowing down.

"You boys will be sorry" one of the gang members said.

Last time Pem wanted to fight, he got a bullet in his leg, but it seemed he learnt nothing, neither did his friends. They didn't consider if they were armed or not, just the fight was all they wanted, like a bull shown a red flag.

They were out-numbered and out-matched, their opponents were also well built physically, while they looked like nerds who got full dosage from bullies back in school days.

Without hesitation, the gang launched at them. They've always fought as a team, being out numbered was nothing new. Luckily, the gang attacked with bare fist. It was good day and Pem was sure of it. When was the last time they exchanged fists with good men of the society?

His body and soul yearned for this; a medium where he could vent his anger and frustration.

It was a street fight for the gang, but a party on his side. To Iyke it was much more; it was ecstasy. Fists were flying in mid-air as they gave the ill-mannered men a piece of their mind. Pem was certain he'd never been this happy after the death of his mother. Though it was momentary, he was certain, dishing these punks would give a lasting satisfaction. The gang punches were surprisingly light, as Pem, Bob and Iyke continued bullying them. But with their egos on the line they wouldn't back down, they can never erase the memory that they were bullied by bunch of nerds. Table turned against them when reinforcements arrived, their number were becoming too much for the triad to handle, as they got hit more often than before.

This changed nothing on their end, they wanted this, no they needed this. They gave them hell, but the gang got numbers on their side, yet the boys screamed in excitement while the gang stared in disbelief. Bunch of psychos with death wish was how they viewed them.

"Enough!" a voice thundered from behind and paused the fight. "Alright boys that's enough for tonight" referring to the gang. One of them declined, judging by his position and the solid backing he had, Pem recognized him as the leader. Though they threw punches indiscriminately, looking at his swollen mouth and eyes, they knew he took the most damage. So much for a leader, Pem giggled at his hilarious appearance. Just seeing him talk made them choke in their laughter.

His words came out in muffles like he had a mouth full, which betrayed his intended manly tone.

"You now decline my request?" the stranger asked in a cold voice, covering the distance between them. The leader lost his will and cowered in fear.

"Okay Reaper, we will leave. I don't want trouble. But tell those brats to stay clear" he said trying hard to maintain his composure.

"You give me instructions now? You sure have forgotten your place so fast." At that, he swung his feet faster than Pem could keep up, sending the gang leader crashing. In response, others knelt and pleaded on his behalf. He stood tall, his hand tucked into his jeans and laughed as the gang quivered at the coarseness of his voice.

"Get out of here!" he ordered in a tone only known to exist in the underworld. And in a blink of an eye, they fled, taking their leader with them. Even Pem felt pity for them despite what they've done. Not that they would turn a new leaf anyways.

On the other hand, he was grateful to the man who stood for them, yet he felt something much stronger than what he sensed in the gang as a whole; raw danger. Though he stood on their behalf, they knew too well not to let their guard down. Reminding themselves that he was a friend of Kyle who was a murderer, and judging by his wit, must be a scary one, even more dangerous than his friend.

The night was cold, but felt colder in the lonely street that exuded danger at every corner without a touch of light. It became more dangerous standing alone with that very man in their midst. Clearly, he was out numbered, but Pem and his friends knew if he was to turn against them, they might not return to their hotel in one piece.

"You boys aren't from here. Are you lost?" he asked facing them with a bright smile. They were shocked how his aura could change in an instance. He's been lied to, or so it may have seemed. If they reveal their identities and he's on Kyle's side, then they were certainly doomed. But Pem's instinct tells him he's what they needed.

"We aren't from here, neither are we lost. But you are" Pem said plainly, took a glance at his friends who gave their approval, knowing where he was heading. If they succeed in apprehending Kyle, they've got on their hands a million bucks worth of information, and for that to work they needed the man before them. In return he gets the truth on what really happened to his friend.

"Meet us tomorrow at the Black Tower by midnight, come alone. No matter what you do, don't tell your friend. Don't trust him either."

"Why should I trust you?"

"You don't have to; the truth is all you need, and the truth you'll get."

"What's it for you then? I know there's something you want in return."

"Positive, meet us at the tower and I'll answer any of your questions."

If he was convinced, Pem didn't see it, instead he slid his hands into his jeans and started walking away.

He has been skeptical about what Kyle told him, but with nothing to tie him to, he believed. But deep down he knew something was off about him ever since he walked into his home to reveal such a heartbreaking news. Can I trust anything they say or are the spies trying to catch me off guard? He asked himself.

What Pem and his friends didn't know was that he recognized them from the bar and his appearance at the scene wasn't a coincidence.

At first he thought they were spies, but seeing them help that poor Lady did a number on his conviction. He never expected such a revelation, one that left him floating on a million questions.

"Tomorrow then" he said to them before disappearing into the dark night.